Moutabea
# Moutabea

Moutabea is a neotropical genus of Polygalaceae with about 10 species. It was first described in 1775 by Jean Aublet.

## Description

Moutabea are erect or scandent trees, shrubs, and lianas. Its leaves are alternate, petiolate, and usually glabrous. Its zygomorphic flowers are white or yellow and contain 5 petals which are subequal and 5 sepals which are equal. Its 8 stamens are joined into 2 groups of 4. Its ovary is usually 4-locular, though it can be 2- to 5-locular. The berry it produces is edible, globose, and indehiscent. They contain 2 to 5 seeds.

## Species

As of April 2020, Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:

* Moutabea aculeata (Ruiz & Pav.) Poepp. & Endl.
* Moutabea angustifolia Huber
* Moutabea arianae Jans.-Jac. & Maas
* Moutabea chodatiana Huber
* Moutabea excoriata Mart. ex Miq.
* Moutabea floribunda J.C.Huber ex J.B.Silveira & Secco
* Moutabea gentryi T.Wendt
* Moutabea guianensis Aubl.
* Moutabea pacifica (Morat & Meijden) Byng & Christenh. – formerly placed in the monotypic genus Balgoya
* Moutabea victoriana J.B.Silveira & Secco
